Efling members working in nursing homes have approved changes to Efling’s collective agreement with the Icelandic Association of Welfare Services Companies (SFV). Voting on the changes concluded yesterday, 6 November. The changes were approved by an overwhelming majority of the votes cast.
There had been a months-long dispute regarding SFV’s implementation of the agreement. Efling announced its termination in February because the agreement’s preconditions had not been fulfilled. At the end of October, the State Conciliation and Mediation Officer presented an internal proposal to resolve the dispute, which the negotiation committees of both parties accepted.
The voting results showed that about 94 per cent of those who cast a vote approved the changes. Just under 4 per cent were opposed and just over 2 per cent abstained. Participation was just over 18 per cent, which is considered a good turnout in a vote on collective agreements.
Since the proposal was approved, wages for nursing home staff will increase by between 7,500 and 20,300 Icelandic krónur per month, depending on job type, length of service, education, and responsibility. The wage increases are retroactive from 1 July and will be paid out at the end of the next month.
Efling welcomes the resolution of this dispute, which is favourable to members and includes both wage improvements and better working conditions for nursing home staff.